IRCC announces new rules for students moving to different DLIs

December 16, 2024

Ishita Soni

Important Update for International Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new rules for international students transferring schools for the winter or spring 2025 semesters. These updates allow students to begin studying at their new school before receiving their new study permit, provided certain conditions are met.

Conditions for Starting Studies Before Receiving a Study Permit

International students transferring schools for the winter or spring 2025 semesters in Canada can now start at their new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before their new study permit is issued. To do so, students must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Acceptance at the New DLI: The student must have been accepted into the new DLI for the winter or spring 2025 intake.
2. Application for a New Study Permit: The student must have submitted a study permit extension application to IRCC.
3. Valid Study Permit: The student must hold a valid study permit, although it cannot have the new DLI listed on it.
4. Meeting Existing Conditions: The student must continue to meet all the conditions of their original study permit.

It is important to note that only DLIs, authorized by the Canadian government, are allowed to accept international students.

Changes in the Process for Transferring Schools

Under previous rules, international students had to wait until their new study permit was approved before transferring schools. They could not change schools by simply updating their online account and had to apply to extend their permit. However, with these new regulations, students can now begin their studies at their new school before their study permit is issued, as long as they meet the required conditions.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Changes

The timing of your study permit application and the level of your studies may impact your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you apply for your new study permit before November 1, 2024, there will be no additional field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. However, if you apply after November 1, 2024, the following conditions will apply:

• University Programs: Students in university programs, excluding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs, must graduate from an eligible field of study to be eligible for a PGWP.
• College or Non-University Programs: Students must also graduate from an eligible field of study to qualify for a PGWP.

Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP

Additionally, all students applying for a PGWP must meet new language proficiency criteria to be eligible for an open work permit (OWP) after graduation. Students must take an IRCC-approved language test in either English or French.

• University Students: Must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 for French.
• College or Non-University Students: Must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB or NCLC level 5.

Standard Process for Transferring Schools After the Winter/Spring Semester

For students transferring schools after the winter/spring semester, different conditions apply. These students can begin studying at their new DLI before receiving a new study permit if they meet the following criteria:

• They must have remained in Canada since receiving a letter of admission (LOA) from the new DLI.
• They must continue to meet the conditions of their original study permit.
• Their previous DLI must have either:
• Closed,
• Discontinued the course or program,
• Been placed on a suspension list, or
• Lost its DLI status.
• Conclusion

The new rules provide greater flexibility for international students transferring schools in winter or spring 2025. However, it is crucial for students to meet all the necessary conditions to begin studying at their new school before their new study permit is issued.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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